Manta force (Bluebird)

Manta Force toy line was manufactured by Bluebird (British) between 1987 and 1991. Mainly remembered (at least in France) for its flagship the M.A.N.T.A ship, this line contains many other toys ranging from big terrestrial base to small alien squads.
The plot is as simple as possible. In 2012 (!), Earth ressources are depleted, the planet is polluted beyond repair and the World Government orders the design and launch of the M.A.N.T.A Ship to search for earth-sister planet or at least a inhabitable one. Some times later, another ship is launched, called Red Venom, but the bad guys manage to hijack it and begin the fight with M.A.N.T.A force.
But we are not alone in the universe and both teams have to forget their conflict to struggle together against two other factions : the slimy aliens (Stenchoïds) and the evil robots (Karnoïds).This is for the background, now let’s look at the toys.
There are six huge (but not so heavy) boxes, 3 three for the good guys, 3 for the others

Each side has got numerous smaller vehicles, packaged in boxes or blisters.
Most vehicles got launchable missiles and the bigger ones can carry the smaller ones. Like many Bluebird toys, these toys are colourful, sometimes wearing all primary colors plus flashy green or purple. Design and shapes have a very retro-feeling, 50-60s space-opera like. Actions figures are only 3 cm height and not very detailed.

The Manta force line was also supported by a comic mainly edited by Eagle Comics.